Evan Walton

Sioux Falls

Reporter at SDPB News

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Articles

House committee unanimously advances lab-grown meat labeling law

Jan 21, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

South Dakota legislators are advancing a bill requiring lab-grown meat to be labeled. House Bill 1022 aims to prohibit misbranding of any cell-cultured protein product. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee discussed the proposed bill Tuesday and were met with more supporters than opponents. Proponents said the bill is needed for clear labeling of cell-cultured or lab-grown meat in the state. Jeremiah Murphy is a lobbyist for the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.
Hundreds gather in Watertown to talk CO2 pipeline at PUC meeting

Jan 17, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

Summit Carbon Solutions is trying to soothe concerns over a proposed CO2 pipeline in a series public input meetings. But some are still not convinced by the company’s promises. Hundreds gathered for the Watertown meeting Thursday evening, one of several arranged by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to discuss the pipeline. The project aims to capture carbon from ethanol plants and sequester it underground in North Dakota. Summit’s first application with the PUC was denied.
SD Public Utilities Commission elects new chairman

Jan 15, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

Gary Hanson will serve as the next South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner. Hanson is currently serving his fourth six-year term as a PUC commissioner. Chris Nelson was reelected to serve a six-year term as vice chairman in 2022. Hanson replaces commissioner Kristie Fiegen who served the commission since 2011 and served as Chairwoman of the commission in 2023 and 2024. Fiegen said she has the utmost confidence in her fellow commission members heading into 2025.
Johnson: Panama Canal purchase bill requires Panamanian consent

Jan 14, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

Rep. Dusty Johnson said his bill authorizing the president to buy back the Panama Canal requires the nation of Panama to agree to any potential deal. Johnson introduced the bill after President-elect Donald Trump brought up the idea of the U.S. retaking control of the Panama Canal. Johnson said his bill provides an avenue to begin the conversation. “Donald Trump wants to kill this ridiculous trade deficit we got, we are not going to get that done if we can’t count on the Panama Canal.
Sioux Falls' population growth continues, approaches 220,000

Jan 9, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

The city of Sioux Falls grew by nearly 5,7000 in 2024. This brings the state’s largest city to a new population total of almost 220,000, according to new data released by the city. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said the city’s steady growth is pushed by three groups of people. “The first bucket is regional people. THey’re from Rock Rapids, they're from Huron, they're from Worthington, they’re from Luverne, and they’re moving to Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls Police Department launches Real Time Information Center

Jan 7, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

The Sioux Falls Police Department is launching its first Real Time Information Center. Officials say the center uses camera systems throughout the city, assisting in tracking potential crimes. The Real Time Information Center offers the department enhanced technology to aid officers in their efforts to protect the community. The center is housed in its own room at the police station and includes multiple screens and a workspace for two people to operate the system.
Pine Ridge grocery store welcomes first Native American female manager

Jan 7, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

For the first time ever, a longtime Pine Ridge grocery store is naming a Lakota tribal member as store manager. Buche Foods in Pine Ridge South Dakota is hiring Tameka Vocu as store manager. She has worked at the store 18 years. RF Buche is the CEO of G.F. Buche Co. He said Vocu has earned the promotion over years of service. “We always want to put the right person in the right seat to be successful. No matter what race, religion, male or female person that may be.
Sioux Falls School District hires next superintendent internally

Jan 5, 2025 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

The Sioux Falls School District has named its next superintendent. James Nold is taking over the role July 1. A search for a new superintendent for the Sioux Falls School District began when current superintendent Jane Stavem announced her retirement in late October. Nold said his largest focus for the district is meeting every child’s need. He said that starts with building an early childhood program.  “I would love to see funding be able to go to early childhood.
USDA now testing milk to track avian influenza

Dec 10, 2024 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

The USDA is expanding efforts to track bird flu in dairy cattle by testing milk. The virus has already been confirmed in several South Dakota dairy herds. The National Milk Testing Strategy requires raw unpasteurized milk samples to be collected nationwide and shared with the USDA for testing. The move aims to prevent the spread of H5N1, commonly called bird flu. Beth Thompson is the state veterinarian. She said federal testing mandates for dairy cattle began earlier this year.
Officials confirm bovine tuberculosis in cattle from South Dakota feedlot

Dec 10, 2024 | sdpb.org | Evan Walton

Bovine tuberculosis has been confirmed in South Dakota for the first time since 2021. State officials say they’re narrowing in on identifying the herd the animal came from. The infected steer was originally identified by meat inspectors in late October in a packing plant in Wisconsin. After searching records, officials determined the steer originated from a Hamlin County feedlot. Beth Thompson is the state veterinarian.